Abandoned structures have complex historic and heritage values. Some values emerge from what the building was before it was a ruin, and some are associated with the ruined state of the structure. As much as a ruined building a remnant of what it was, it a hint of what it can be. Abandoned architectural structures have the opportunity to become something new while carrying with them the legacy of what they were years ago. New memories and associations built on the previous values give the architecture the ability to connect the past, present, and future, all in new forms. The identity of the abandoned building gives it a new identity and brings with it new promises of community connections. Bringing something new to life from the remains can mellow down the negative associations with the process of abandonment of a building. An example of such a case of conversion of ruin to a new space for community strengthen is LaFábrika de toda la Vida. An industrial ruin that was converted to creative space, with community involvement on every step.
The Factory of a Lifetime or LaFábrika de toda la Vida, previously known as The Asland cement factory, was an abandoned factory. Located in Extremadura, a rural region of western Spain, the Asland cement factory was constructed in 1955 to facilitate the cement supply for many construction projects going on around the surroundings. The rural village of Los Santos de Maimona had always been engaged with agriculture. It saw major economic shifts with job opportunities and a growing population. 18 years later when the factory closed due to the completion of projects, the economic growth of the rural town also came to a halt.